The Martial Genius Who Remembers Everything Novel - Chapter 204

Chapter 204
Murong Jae-hwa’s lecture was not the sole one hit with a cancellation notice.

The coordinated White Tiger Sword Formation practice, the instructional theory regarding the Five Phases Qi, including techniques like Ice Arts and Fire Attack, and others—every single course initiated by Jin So-un was slapped with a suspension order.

This action originated from a representative group that hadn’t even achieved official status yet.

“This is a total overstep! I realize that for someone like Young Master Jin, such threats are trivial, but still……!”

At Seong Mo-ran’s exclamation, even the typically composed Eun-ho could not mask his visible agitation.

“Eldest Senior Brother, we need to lodge a formal grievance against this.”

“……”

However, Jin So-un remained seated in silence, his hands resting on the table, masking his mouth.

Those witnessing his reaction felt a strange, icy sensation radiating from his gaze.

‘Is Eldest Senior Brother about to do it again……?’

‘Is Young Master Jin going to take things to that extreme again……?’

Perhaps because half his face was obscured?

Even while observing Jin So-un, Namgung Seon-hwa couldn’t quite decipher his true thoughts.

Suddenly, Nam Hwa-seong bolted upright.

“Damn it! This is outrageous! Just give the command, Representative Jin! You don’t need to get your hands dirty; I’ll personally go and shatter the legs of every single prick in the Orthodox Path Association!”

Gazing up at the irate Nam Hwa-seong, Jin So-un finally spoke.

“Spy, calm down.”

“D-damn it, I told you I’m not a spy!”

Though Jin So-un usually tossed the term “spy” around like a playful jab, this time, his tone was completely devoid of emotion.

Sensing a rising unease, Namgung Seon-hwa stepped in to pacify the group.

“Hold on…… We need to analyze this rationally. If they are willing to push this far, it implies they are confident in some underlying support.”

At her prompt, the agitated members began to regain their composure.

“Sister Seon-hwa is correct. Regardless, since the final decision rests on the participation rate of the Academy students, the momentum is on our side.”

Hong Sa-ryeon’s point led Jang Woo-jae to nod in agreement.

“That is true, though Lady Namgung indicated they have already secured the backing of the Training Masters. They are likely leveraging their respective clan’s influence.”

“……”

“Ideally, we would see them disbanded, but if that isn’t feasible, we must recruit more supporters for our cause than they do. If we outnumber them, any interference from the Training Masters will lack a legitimate basis.”

The number of students supporting Jin So-un had remained relatively steady.

“We can estimate it as slightly over half, roughly……?”

Eun-ho was gauging the projected turnout of Academy students for their upcoming event.

“It would be ideal if the Righteous Path Association members who traveled to Sichuan would show their support as well.”

“The members from the subsidiary martial sects will surely back us, but I am uncertain if the core figures within the Righteous Path Association will risk it.”

“Representative Jin…… what is your take on this?”

At Jang Woo-jae’s question, all eyes turned expectantly toward Jin So-un.

He had to accept it.

He didn’t care for it, but there was no choice.

That inexplicable itch in his nose.

‘Hmm…… The scent still lingers.’

He hadn’t realized it. He hadn’t known tea could be this aromatic.

The Seven-Colored Flower was, in fact, an exquisite blend.

It was easy to see why the elite officials and aristocrats of Beijing preferred Seven-Colored Flower over Junshan Yinzhen or Longjing Tea.

Initially, he had found the first sip bitter, but for the entire day, the delicate aroma of the Seven-Colored Flower had persisted in his mouth.

Even throughout the following days, the memory of that flavor was tempting enough to linger in his mind.

Following his instincts would have led him back to Jegal Jeong-gi to procure more, but the reality was that they were currently the main opposition to his representative delegation.

With so many people watching, he couldn’t exactly just pay him a visit.

He had briefly asked the Head Maidservant if she could acquire more Seven-Colored Flower, but she had reacted with absolute refusal, as if she had been offended by the request.

Apparently, ten blossoms of the stuff cost the equivalent of a standard household’s entire monthly food budget.

It wasn’t that he lacked the funds, but he hadn’t lost his senses enough to squander money on tea.

‘How can I manage to drink Seven-Colored Flower without paying for it myself?’

While he pondered this dilemma:

“Young Master Jin! You aren’t plotting anything dangerous, are you?”

He blinked, realizing everyone was staring at him with expressions of profound concern.

‘What is happening?’

Only then did the memory return.

Jegal Jeong-gi had ordered the suspension of the classes he had organized.

Why did that man insist on doing such petty things and making everyone’s lives difficult?

In their last encounter, the man had tried to instill guilt in him, but could guilt truly take hold just because someone attempted to sow it?

To be blunt, in a desert plagued by endless drought, even weeds struggle to sprout.

And when facing a winter avalanche, even the most beautiful flowers were destined to freeze.

Did he honestly expect Jin So-un to feel guilty for retaliating against those who had launched an assault on him?

He was severely underestimating him.

Were the offspring raised in the lap of luxury within the Five Great Clans truly this hopeless?

To calm the representative delegation, who were clearly rattled by the sudden escalation, he turned to address them individually.

“Do not concern yourselves. I am not easily swayed by such trivial provocations.”

“……”

Hm? Their expressions were still skeptical.

Eun-ho, in particular, who had known him since youth, looked genuinely bewildered.

What was going on?

“Eun-ho. Why are you looking at me that way?”

His question only seemed to make Eun-ho’s expression grow more perplexed.

“Eldest Senior Brother, um…… Do we look like we are the ones you should be worried about?”

“Hm?”

If they weren’t concerned for him, then who were they worried for?

At that moment, Nam Hwa-seong chimed in.

“See! That guy truly has no idea how terrifying and unpredictable he is! I knew it from the moment he nonchalantly dragged back the head of the Blood Cult’s Young Cult Master……!”

What was this man rambling about?

He was about to retort to Nam Hwa-seong’s nonsense when—

Every member of the delegation around him nodded in silent agreement.

Seriously, what was with this atmosphere?

Seong Mo-ran spoke up next.

“Young Master Jin, um…… regardless of your anger, perhaps it would be best to refrain from bringing back the heads of the temporary executive staff……”

No, what were these people talking about?

It was only then that the cause of the strange tension clicked.

They weren’t afraid that Jegal Jeong-gi and the Orthodox Path Association’s schemes would harm him.

‘Are they actually worried that I might go too far?’

Should he appreciate their faith in his abilities, or feel insulted that they viewed him as a heartless, violent psychopath? Tsk.

To soothe the staff in “a different sense,” he began to speak.

“Ahem. Do not worry. Collecting heads is quite a tedious chore, you see. Besides, those idiots have powerful backers, so the aftermath would be a real annoyance……”

“……”

Hmm. He was joking, yet everyone’s faces seemed to turn even paler.

Regardless, after managing to “reassure” his team, he thought back to Jegal Jeong-gi’s demeanor.

The man had pretended to be perfectly composed, but it looked like a desperate defense mechanism to mask his true anxiety.

What exactly had driven him to be so desperate to snatch the representative position?

‘Most likely, that goal has already been achieved within the Jegal Clan, right?’

If that was the case, his sudden, aggressive behavior made a certain kind of sense.

An event capable of rocking the entire world was approaching.

He likely viewed a single Academy Representative title as insignificant compared to the bigger picture.

While he was lost in his own train of thought, a look of resolve settled on Namgung Seon-hwa’s face.

“I will investigate this further on my own.”

Unlike the others, her expression held genuine concern for his situation.

This made him feel unexpectedly awkward.

“It is not necessary……”

*Bang—*

Before he could finish, Namgung Seon-hwa had already rushed out.

“It really is fine, though……”

Truthfully, he had already devised a plan to deal with Jegal Jeong-gi and his fake delegation from the very start.

Still, he found her determination to help him in every way possible quite touching.

Then, a sudden idea occurred to him.

*Bang.*

“Eldest Senior Brother?”

Had he slammed the table a bit too hard?

His palm stung.

“I am going to pay a visit to Jegal Jeong-gi.”

“W-what will you do once you see him? You aren’t going to crush his skull, are you? If you do that now……”

What on earth did these people think he was capable of?

“I simply need to have a conversation with him.”

Surely, no one would assume he was going there to drink Seven-Colored Flower, right?

—

“L-Lady Namgung…… I told you clearly, didn’t I? I said it would be incredibly dangerous if you did this……”

The man kept glancing over his shoulder, checking for any observers.

If he were discovered conspiring with Namgung Seon-hwa, he knew he might be purged from the ranks of the Orthodox Path Association.

“That is why I am asking. What exactly has Jegal Jeong-gi prepared that makes him so arrogant? What has he readied to be this bold?”

“I have no idea.”

The man, clearly wanting to end the discussion, tried to rush off, but Namgung Seon-hwa stepped into his path, questioning him with relentless persistence.

“You fear Brother Gi-pyo, yet you show no such fear of me?”

“……”

“You are aware that the hierarchy between the direct and collateral branches of the Namgung Clan is currently being restructured, are you not?”

“……Haa.”

The man looked around once more, then whispered as quietly as he could.

“I heard the Jegal Clan has something new in store.”

“Something new?”

“Yes. They have recruited Formation Masters to install some kind of ultimate formation……”

While Namgung Seon-hwa was completely fixated on his revelation, the man suddenly froze, his eyes widening in shock as he looked past her.

“What are you doing?”

“……I, I, t-this is……”

A powerful surge of Qi whistled past Namgung Seon-hwa and slammed directly into the man’s chest.

*Guh.*

“Bleeegh!”

Caught by surprise, the man vomited blood, collapsing instantly.

“What is the meaning of this!”

Namgung Seon-hwa tried to react, her hand snapping up to defend herself, but she froze when she recognized her assailant.

“Brother…… Gi-pyo.”

Standing there was Namgung Gi-pyo, his gaze sharper and more menacing than she had ever seen.

‘Ah…… why……?’

He had arrived at the fake representative’s office, but the Seven-Colored Flower did not appear this time.

Jegal Jeong-gi was usually such an exhibitionist…… Had he run out of his supply?

“What is the purpose of your visit today?”

“What business?”

He had been staring blankly at the Junshan Yinzhen before raising his head to see Jegal Jeong-gi sporting a smug, triumphant grin.

What was he supposed to say?

Would the man serve it if he openly admitted he came for the tea?

“……Hmm. Business, you ask…… Why do you think I am here?”

Jegal Jeong-gi, who had been rhythmically drumming his fingers on the table, shifted his gaze toward him.

“Well. If you are here regarding the lecture suspension, I doubt there was any real need.”

Jegal Jeong-gi was certainly lacking in comparison to someone like Jegal Cheon-gi.

He pointed at him with his chin and continued.

“If you manage to retain your representative status, the notices we sent will be rendered entirely meaningless.”

But then, why had Jegal Cheon-gi spent his entire life rotting in a dungeon in his past life, while Jegal Jeong-gi had enjoyed a smooth ascent through the Murim Alliance thanks to his clan?

“Are you that confident?”

In response, Jegal Jeong-gi gestured to the room around him.

“If I weren’t, would I have invested so much capital?”

Looking at the office Jegal Jeong-gi had furnished, the materials and craftsmanship were undeniably high-end.

In particular, the chair he sat upon seemed ordinary at first, but with a sharpened gaze, he could see it was a luxury item crafted with meticulous detail even in the hidden corners.

Oh, that was a nice piece.

“That chair is quite unique……”

“Heh heh. You noticed? That chair is a specialty used only by those above the third rank in Beijing. It’s widely considered a masterpiece.”

Wow, it really was impressive.

“……If the fake delegation is eventually disbanded, what do you plan to do with these furnishings?”

A laugh escaped Jegal Jeong-gi.

“Well. I haven’t given that any thought.”

If all of this high-quality equipment were simply discarded after the fake group was dissolved, it would be a tragedy.

How much must all of this have cost?

Waste was a sin that must be avoided.

Frugality and thrift were essential traits of one’s character and morality.

And he, after all, possessed a very fine character.

“If the fake delegation is disbanded, how about you leave these facilities behind? You won’t have any use for them afterward, anyway.”

“……”

For the first time, Jegal Jeong-gi’s expression stiffened.

“Are you relying on the Mount Heng Sect? That won’t happen. Not when you see what our Orthodox Path Association has prepared……”

“If you are truly that confident, why not commit to leaving them behind?”

At his suggestion, Jegal Jeong-gi leaned back, trying to maintain his air of superiority.

“Hah hah! Are you perhaps feeling confident about your Distinguished Guest Invitation? Unfortunately, you will not receive the Namgung Clan’s aid this time……”

He really was a parasite who only knew how to run his mouth.

He deliberately cut him off.

“So, are you going to leave these items behind, or are you going to disgrace yourself by hauling them away?”

“……”

After being interrupted multiple times, Jegal Jeong-gi looked visibly annoyed.

Still, there was no choice.

He truly appreciated the high-quality facilities and the taste of the Seven-Colored Flower.

He scanned the room once more with a casual air.

“Naturally, it would be best if you left all the consumables as well.”

He added, as if granting him a great favor.

“Oh, and since things have come to this, I will publicly announce that the Orthodox Path Association donated them.”

“……Very well.”

Watching Jegal Jeong-gi tremble with suppressed rage while attempting to curl his lips into a sneer, he nodded, satisfied.

“Oh, right! And why is it just Junshan Yinzhen today instead of the Seven-Colored Flower? You couldn’t have possibly run out of it, could you?”

Jegal Jeong-gi’s face crumpled like discarded paper.

But what could he do?

He had originally come here solely for the tea.

—

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

At Namgung Seon-hwa’s demand, Namgung Gi-pyo sneered.

“There was a rat, so I disposed of it.”

“……”

“You are acting quite unlike yourself lately. Playing the role of a spy? Did that bastard order you to do this?”

“A spy? That is an extreme accusation, Brother.”

*Tsk.*

Namgung Gi-pyo clicked his tongue in pure disgust.

“I’ve heard the rumors. You’ve been stirring up the Academy for quite a while, haven’t you? And all for the sake of that Jin So-un bastard?”

“I was simply acting on behalf of the legitimate Academy Representative Delegation.”

“On top of that, you even attempted to sell out Grandfather for that man.”

“……What are you talking about right now?!”

“Do you like that guy enough to betray your own blood?”

“……”

Namgung Seon-hwa bit her lip until it bled.

“The Namgung Clan has traditionally served as a pillar of the Orthodox Path Association as one of the Five Great Clans. Not only the members of our clan, but the members of our subsidiary sects also fall under the Orthodox umbrella.”

Namgung Gi-pyo bored his gaze into her.

“Yet here you are, a direct descendant of the Namgung Clan, betraying the Association and selling out your own people for your man…… Have you no shame!”

Namgung Seon-hwa was well aware of the gossip circulating behind her back.

Even so, she hadn’t responded because she knew the orthodox argument was inherently flawed.

Joining the Orthodox Path Association was never a moral obligation.

And everything the Association stood for was not automatically justice.

Was that not blatantly obvious, given everything they had done to tear down Jin So-un, the legitimate representative?

Nevertheless, words that cut at her heart felt like physical wounds.

Even though she knew standing with Jin So-un was the right path, a faint, lingering sense of guilt that she was betraying her heritage constricted her chest.

Namgung Gi-pyo had expertly pierced her only weakness.

“Shameless bitch.”

It felt as though her Numbing Acupoint had been struck; Namgung Seon-hwa was unable to move even as Namgung Gi-pyo continued to spew curses.

A profound sense of humiliation made her face turn deep crimson.

*THUD.*

At that moment, with a dull impact, Namgung Gi-pyo collapsed, wearing a confused expression.

“W-which bastard was that!”

Namgung Gi-pyo struggled to rise to his feet.

However.

*THUD.*

With another muffled sound, Namgung Gi-pyo clutched his face and let out a scream.

“GRAAAAGH!”

Amidst the screams, calm, rhythmic footsteps echoed.

“This guy is completely unhinged. There’s no limit to the trash he’ll spout at Lady Seon-hwa.”

The person who emerged, speaking with a familiar, delinquent tone, was none other than Jin So-un.